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Fall Color Report: October 7-13, 2025
If you’ve yet to plan your autumnal getaway, now is the perfect time, as regions across Michigan are nearing peak fall color. Seek out autumn’s vibrant hues along picturesque trails, aboard a scenic chairlift ride, or gliding across our pristine waters. With cool and comfortable weather moving in, now is also the time to celebrate Michigan Agritourism Month at cider mills and farms from the Keweenaw Peninsula to southeast Michigan.
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Parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are nearing peak fall color, while others are still a mix of fiery foliage and emerald green. Discover where you can make the most of the season across millions of acres of dense forests, along diverse shorelines, and by seeking out birds-eye views atop the region’s dramatic landscape. |
 Open Skies Project / Photo courtesy of Visit Keweenaw.
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The Keweenaw Peninsula
Fall Color: 40-60%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 8-15, 2025
The weather has been fantastic across the Keweenaw Peninsula, with the upcoming week forecasted to be in the high 60s. Pumpkin patches are the place to be for family fun, photo ops and enjoying fall color. For a memorable experience this season, take a Keweenaw Boat Tours dinner cruise to view beautiful fall color, or enjoy a meal on a patio for fresh air and flavors. A trip to the Keweenaw Peninsula wouldn’t be complete without hitting the trails by foot or by bike!
Events
Michigan Made Wine Tasting Cruise (October 11) | Gods, Ghosts, & Legends - Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra (October 11)
Marquette
Fall Color: 60-80%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 10-17, 2025
Enjoy stunning fall color and Lake Superior views in Marquette. Hike to scenic overlooks like Sugarloaf and Hogback mountains, bike across the iron range on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, and enjoy fall color drives through lush forests.
Events
Ghosts of Lighthouse Point (now through October 11) | Fall Fest and Cheese Roll (October 11) | UP200 Dryland Dash (October 11-12)
Manistique
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 10-17, 2025
On the shore of Lake Michigan, experience a relaxing fall getaway in Manistique. Hike trails in the Rainey Wildlife to immerse yourself in fall colors, or glide down the Manistique River on a canoe to admire fall foliage from the water. At Palms Book State Park, board the self-operated observation raft on Kitch-iti-kipi, also known as the Big Springs, to peer down into the crystal clear waters of Michigan’s largest natural spring.
Events
Walk For The Wild 5K Challenge at Seney Wildlife Refuge (October 18) | Seul Choix Pointe Haunted Lighthouse (October 25)
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Communities across the northern Lower Peninsula are gradually transitioning into picture-perfect getaways to discover incredible fall color and savor the flavors of the harvest season. From top-rated apple orchards to local craft beverages that take inspiration from autumn’s bounty, explore the northern Lower Peninsula from coast to coast before fall comes to a close. |
 Scenic chairlift ride at Crystal Mountain / Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain.
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The Petoskey Area
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-20, 2025
In the Petoskey area, visitors can take a scenic chairlift ride at Boyne Mountain Resort or The Highlands in Harbor Springs for a unique way to gain valley views of the region. Hike or walk around Offield Family Viewlands scenic nature preserve in Harbor Springs for some panoramic views with Little Traverse Bay in the distance. After a day of exploring, stop by one of the Petoskey area’s restaurants featuring seasonal menu items that celebrate the harvest season. Or start your day at Maple + Batter in Bay Harbor for seasonal-flavored pancakes and other items.
Events
Boyne City Farmers Market (October 8) | Harbor Springs Farmers Market (October 8) | The Highlands Harvest Fest (October 11)
Traverse City
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-19, 2025
Fall is getting started in the Traverse City area. Enjoy fall foliage on land along seemingly endless hiking trails or a bike ride on the Leelanau Trail. For a different perspective, go on a Kayak, Bike & Brew tour to bike and paddle the area’s waterways with stops at local breweries for seasonal craft beers.
Events
Traverse City Beer Week (November 7-15)
Ludington
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 20-26, 2025
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds along Lake Michigan in Pure Ludington. Visitors will delight in visiting a farm, taking a color tour, wine tasting, golfing, or embarking on a simple hike.
Events
Fall Historic Bus Tour (October 11) | Jackpine Lumber Jack Shows (October 11) | Guitarist Christian Larumbe Performs (October 11)
Cadillac Area
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 20-27, 2025
Explore the Cadillac area with a self-guided fall color tour along hundreds of miles of scenic drives with dozens of stops, in and around Cadillac. Discover family fun on the farm to make lasting memories and celebrate the harvest season, or take advantage of golf and lodging specials this fall in the Cadillac area.
Events
Cadillac's KISS50 Anniversary Weekend (October 9-12)
Rogers City
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-20, 2025
Located on Lake Huron, Rogers City is home to one of Michigan’s most iconic apple orchards, Knaebe's Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm. Here visitors can enjoy family fun for all ages, cider, donuts, wood-fired pizza, hard cider and more. Or, get lost in Moltke Maize Maze that offers challenges with different levels of difficulty. Downtown, find meaningful mementos to remember your trip by, or get ahead on shopping for the holiday season.
Oscoda
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 12-18, 2025
It’s officially October in Oscoda, and travelers can expect to see gorgeous fall colors on their weekend visits. While you can spot vibrant reds, oranges and yellows from just about anywhere in town, there are few experiences that compare to driving along the River Road Scenic Byway. The byway stretches 20+ miles along the Au Sable River in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. There are numerous scenic overlooks along the route, including the Westgate Overlook near the Westgate Welcome Center, Iargo Springs, Canoer’s Memorial, and Lumberman’s Monument and Visitor Center. Other points of interest along the route include a variety of trails, including the designated Pure Michigan Highbanks Trail.
Events
Fall events in the Oscoda area →
Crystal Mountain
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-20, 2025
Visit Crystal Mountain for a full day of autumn adventures and activities during Fall Fun Weekends, including scenic chairlift rides, biking, gem mining, alpine slide, Michigan Legacy Art Park, cider and donuts, and more. If you’re looking for a great game, many golfers will argue fall golf is the best golf because of the cooler temps, fewer people, better rates, more availability, and the beautiful pops of color. After enjoying the outdoors, indulge in seasonal spa treatments, such as the Honey Harvest Glow body treatment or Crystal Glow facial, for great prices during Crystal Spa Days.
Events
Scarecrow Walk (October 10-26) | Peak2Peak Mountain Bike Classic (October 18) | Longevity Challenge (October 24-26)
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Experience autumn from different perspectives in Michigan’s central Lower Peninsula, whether you're drawn to vibrant city centers or quiet coastal getaways. From carriage rides through downtowns that radiate storybook charm to joining the excitement of college football under stadium lights, you can create the perfect fall escape. |
 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park / Photo courtesy of Meijer Gardens.
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Mount Pleasant
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 20-28, 2025
Take a fall float or paddle down the 72-mile-long Chippewa River in Mount Pleasant to soak up beautiful fall color. Stop by Buckley's Mountainside Canoes to rent equipment for your peaceful excursion. Or play a round of disc golf at Deerfield Nature Park, which offers over 8 miles of hiking and biking trails that weave you around the Chippewa River.
Events
Central Escapes: The Legendary Bigfoot Tour (October 10) | Central Michigan University Homecoming against University of Massachusetts (October 25) | Shepherd Pumpkin Display (October 26-31)
Frankenmuth
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-17, 2025
Take a romantic stroll with Fantasy Carriage Horse Ride in Michigan’s Little Bavaria. Visitors can also jump on the Golden Ticket Trolley for a tour, or grab a group of friends and pedal on the PedAle Trolley throughout town to enjoy the sights and tastes of fall in Frankenmuth!
Events
Frankenmuth Corn Maze (Fridays-Sunday through November 1) | Farm Fright Nights (now through October 25)
Grand Rapids
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 20-31, 2025
Celebrate fall with fresh cider and donuts in Grand Rapids with visits to local and U-pick farms like Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery, which also offers hayrides and a corn maze. Other great stops include Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm, The Orchards at Red Barn, and Farmhaus Farms. For visitors who love Halloween, there are several weeks of spooky and festive events in the Grand Rapids area.
Events
The Great Pumpkin Train (now through October 26) | Zoo Goes Boo at John Ball Zoo (October 10-26) | Grand Rapids Ghost Tours (October)
Silver Lake
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 20-31, 2025
In nearby New Era, celebrate autumn on the farm at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo, which offers more than 46 farm attractions like a pumpkin house, unique animals, jumping pillows, a carousel and tasty treats. Savor more flavors of the harvest season at a variety of farm markets in the Silver Lake and Hart areas.
Events
COW-lorful Wagon Rides at Country Dairy (Saturdays, reservations required) | Shoreline Horseback Riding at Silver Lake State Park (November 1-30, registration required)
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While peak color is still around the corner in the southern Lower Peninsula, there are endless trails to explore, apple orchards to harvest, and spooky events and festivals to celebrate the Halloween season. Enjoy the changing foliage by day under a canopy of kaleidoscope colors, or explore the region’s storied cities under the stars during a historic ghost tour. |
 Kensington Metropark / Photo courtesy of Explore Brighton Howell Area.
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Saugatuck/Douglas Area
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 22-29, 2025
Located along the beautiful Kalamazoo River where it meets the Lake Michigan coast, visitors can enjoy fall foliage and waterfront views in the Saugatuck/Douglas area. Go on a hiking trip at Oval Beach and in the surrounding Saugatuck area for views of fall foliage and the lakeshore. For a cozy weekend getaway, check into the BaySide Inn with a Wine Weekend add-on that includes tasting wines on the Star of Saugatuck while cruising Lake Michigan.
Events
Oktoberfest Weekend (October 10-12)
Kalamazoo
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 26 - November 5, 2025
Visitors can experience all things fall at Gull Meadow Farms with apple-picking, fresh apple cider donuts, farm animals, an epic corn maze, and weekly events. Kalamazoo also offers a multitude of stunning, scenic locations to hike, bike and walk amongst the gorgeous colors of fall. There are also haunted houses, fall festivals, plenty of delicious foods to try, and many more cozy and spooky events to look forward to in Kalamazoo. Check out the full events calendar to plan the best fall trip!
Events
Ghost Stories at the New Vic Theatre (Fridays and Saturdays starting October 17) | Fall Colors Kanoe the Kazoo (October 18) | Flavors of Fall: Color Tour, Buffet, and Bourbon Tasting (October 18)
Ann Arbor
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 26 - November 1, 2025
Take in the fall foliage in the artsy college scene of the Ann Arbor area. The DTE Energy Foundation Trail in Chelsea offers over 20 miles of top-tier mountain biking track – which is located in Michigan’s largest state park in the Lower Peninsula, the Waterloo Recreation Area. Dexter Cider Mill, located in nearby Dexter, is the oldest continuously operating cider mill in Michigan and features wood-press blended cider, an award-winning apple cookbook, trademark pastry mixes, homemade apple pies, donuts, caramel apples, and more.
Events
A2 Artoberfest (October 11-12)
Brighton Howell Area
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 3-20, 2025
Explore the Brighton Howell area this fall for stunning fall color by hiking throughout three State Recreation Areas and two metroparks. If you’re feeling daring, celebrate the Halloween season with frights at some of Michigan's scariest haunted attractions like Terrorfied Forest in Pinckney. Or for family fun, explore hidden gem cider mills like Parshallville Cider Mill and Markillie Orchards.
Events
Legend of Sleepy Howell (October 18) | Emo Night Howell (October 25)
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Discover More Travel Inspiration
Interactive Fall Color Prediction Map
Use our interactive Fall Color Map to see projected peak color throughout Michigan’s two peninsulas this fall. Discover your peak fall color prediction →
Explore Michigan's State Parks
Michigan is home to 103 state parks where you can create your perfect adventure this fall. Explore thousands of miles of trails, paddle or fish Michigan’s waters, and enjoy seasonal events like Harvest Festivals and spooky happenings. After a day of adventure, enjoy the aroma of a crackling fire under the stars.
Visitors who have red-green colorblindness can use EnChroma-enabled scenic viewers to see fall color more clearly and vibrantly this season. These scenic viewers are located in numerous state parks, including Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the Upper Peninsula. Explore Michigan state parks →
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